22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Hebrews 13:22-25

Explanation:

These last four verses include personal greetings and benediction. It speaks of Timothy being set free from imprisonment. It details the writers desire to come with Timothy to see them. It speaks of greeting those in leadership like pastors, as well as other church members. It speaks of those who are in Italy sending greetings. It finally says this common but profound goodbye, “Grace be with you all. Amen”. 

What a beautiful way to say goodbye. This letter is personal. Though we don’t know who the writer is, it seems that Paul is a reasonable conclusion. He knew Timothy. He was jew of the highest and most devoted order. Writing to Jews specifically may be the explanation of the differences in style compared to his other letters, though this one does have similarities in theology, theme and vocabulary. He was in Italy at the end of his life, and so this may have been written from Rome.

There is an acknowledgement in the benediction of the need for the undeserved favor of God on our lives as the mark of the life of those who know Christ. We need God’s grace for salvation, and for living. We need grace for our eternal destiny, and for this weeks schedule. What an incredible way to end the book.

The ending is personal. Real people wrote this to real people in a moment in time.

The ending is practical. We need God’s grace every day.

Application:

I have everything I have because the grace of God in my life. The same is true of all of us. Anything good I have comes from God. I do not deserve it. I could not earn it. Jesus truly is greater than anything and everything, and I’m so thankful for the grace of God that offered Him up for us all. If I truly lived in that reality front of mind every day, it would impact my living dramatically.

Response:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your grace. Thank you for people in my life that impact me, and are impacted by me. It is your grace. It is your love. Without them I could not function or fully follow as I should. I love you Lord, Amen.